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ADT Workplace Appoints New Strategy Director

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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10/07/2019

ADT Workplace Appoints New Strategy Director

Manchester based commercial interior design, build and delivery specialist, ADT Workplace has significantly strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Adrian Gleeson to the newly created role of Strategy Director. His appointment marks a significant addition to ADT Workplace’s senior team and reflects the company’s continuing commitment to providing first-class consultancy to its clients.

An industry heavy-weight, Adrian brings a wealth of experience to his new role having most recently worked for TSK Group where he was Director of Business Development. In his new role, Adrian will be responsible for developing and driving the business strategy for ADT Workplace, including collaborating with the rest of the senior team to help execute the company’s vision and ambitious growth plans. Adrian will also lead on business development for ADT Workplace, working with the current business development team to embed new approaches and reach new markets.

“I’m extremely proud to be joining the ADT Workplace team at what is such an exciting time for the company,” commented Adrian on his new role. “Over recent years, the team has delivered some of the most inspiring and unique work spaces I’ve seen, so I’m thrilled to join such a talented and experienced team. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with our clients to further enhance ADT Workplace’s services, and ultimately, help ADT Workplace continue its impressive journey.”

Discussing Adrian’s appointment, ADT Workplace’s MD David Clemetson said: “We were looking to strengthen our senior team with someone who could not only help us ensure we offer our clients the high quality services and consultancy they need, but also support us in shaping and delivering our future business vision. With his undisputed experience and enviable status within the industry, Adrian was the perfect candidate for this role. With a proven track record in developing outstanding client relationships, he is ideally placed to help take ADT Workplace forward and I’m confident he will be a valuable addition to the team.”

Software testing company appoints first graduate apprentice in Manchester to boost growing regional team

Sam Whitear

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10/07/2019

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Software testing company appoints first graduate apprentice in Manchester to boost growing regional team

One of the UK’s fastest growing and largest independent software testing companies, Edge Testing Solutions, part of Eurofins Digital Testing, is continuing to build its Manchester-based team – with the appointment of former IT teacher, Steve Walsh, as its first graduate apprentice.

As Test Consultant, Manchester-born Steve’s new role provides him with the opportunity to put IT theory into practice. Where once he provided his students with the knowledge and skills to create their software and solutions, Steve went back to ‘school’ with Edge Testing’s Academy – a two year learning program that combines an intensive six-week boot camp blending classroom-based software testing training with practical experience.

Steve explains why Edge Testing appealed to him: “Software testing is an interesting field, where every day is different. I liked the thorough training provision, alongside the opportunity to work for some interesting clients.

“It’s fun being on the opposite side of the classroom and the Academy tutors are all experts in their fields providing a high level and calibre of tuition during the course. I used to do sudoku puzzles and I have strong attention to detail, so I’m a real geek when it comes to knowing how apps and tech work. That’s very useful in this new career of mine.”

Steve is now one of Edge Testing’s team of over 260 people UK-wide, and works with experienced testers, career changers, and newly qualified graduates in the North West office. The company offers a number of innovative services for clients seeking testing providers, with the Digital Test Lab, which provides a low cost, on demand testing service supplied within the UK and the Academy as a Service, which enables clients to develop their own ‘super-charged’ testing resources without the burden of recruitment.

Edge Academy is a popular entrance to a career in testing, as each graduate is paid throughout the training and has a job at the end of the two years. While some trainee testers have IT degrees, others have a passion for IT-related subjects or are interested in gaming and software applications. Steve did not have any specific software testing experience or qualifications, but he had previously worked as an IT teacher, so his knowledge level was right for this career change.

Steve has no plans to retire any time soon and concluded: “Testing is not a physically demanding job, so I can stay in this role for the foreseeable future and not have to think about retirement. I would like to become a Test Automation Engineer. The thought of using software to test software is fascinating and, in test automation, you’re learning all the time, it’s just like solving a puzzle. It’s a very engaging field that is both challenging and creative, so it’s not going to be boring – ever.”

Stalybridge Chemicals Company Celebrates Major Industry Win

Sam Whitear

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10/07/2019

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Stalybridge Chemicals Company Celebrates Major Industry Win

A Stalybridge chemicals company is celebrating its second major win in two years at the Chemical Industry Awards, the industry’s premier accolades. At the black tie event held in Liverpool’s St George’s Hall earlier this summer, Stepan Stalybridge, part of the Stepan Group, a global manufacturer of chemicals, won the ABB Manufacturing and Resource Efficiency Award for transforming its production with dramatic effect.

The award builds on last year’s success winning the Special Responsible Care Award for Process Safety.

Two years ago, the Stalybridge site was struggling to cope with demand for one of its major products, and sister sites around the world were needed to make up the shortfall in production. But by optimising the process, making small changes to equipment, implementing new shift patterns and making dozens more improvements, the company has increased batch sizes by 12%, increased overall production by 20% and now has the capability to meet all of its UK demand without imports.

As a result of the improvements, the company has removed 167 tankers from its supply chain and removed almost a quarter of a million kgs of CO2 from its processes.

Challenging the chemistry

Speaking about the win, Stepan Stalybridge Site Manager, George Forrest said, “We are absolutely thrilled with this win. The improvements we’ve made have come about as a result of challenging ourselves, challenging the chemistry and showing that the answer to a production problem does not always lie in capital expenditure, but on small low and no-cost innovations that have a big impact.”

George was keen to emphasise the effect of the site’s achievements on the local community: “Our efforts have really put the Stalybridge facility on the map in the world of chemicals production. We are now globally recognised as key performers in the detergents, fabric softener and cleaning fluid businesses – and that can only benefit the area in terms of supply chain, job security, reputation and goodwill.”

CityCo launches unique venue for events & meetings in Manchester City Centre

Blog

Sam Whitear

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09/07/2019

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CityCo launches unique venue for events & meetings in Manchester City Centre

CityCo, Manchester’s city centre management company, has launched three event and meeting spaces at its new offices in Lloyd’s House.

Located in the heart of the city centre on the top floor of Lloyd’s House and overlooking Manchester Town Hall, the newly launched spaces offer a unique Mancunian venue for meetings and events for 2 – 80 people.

Positioned where Southmill Street meets Lloyd Street and extending along Jackson Street, Lloyd’s House has its very own unique story to tell. Designed in 1867 by Speakman & Charlesworth, the site was originally home to the Manchester Shipping Office and Packing Company Ltd and was the city’s first purpose-built packing warehouse, becoming an integral part of the city’s cotton trade industry during its last boom.

Manchester-based auction house announces expansion

Blog

Sam Whitear

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09/07/2019

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Manchester-based auction house announces expansion

Simon Charles Auctioneers & Valuers, the Stockport-based auction house specialising in selling high-street and online retailers’ end of line stock, surplus stock and customers returns through online and live auctions is expanding and opening a new venue.

The unit, which is based in New Bridge Lane, Stockport, will be hosting online auctions selling smaller items such as electricals. The new site is 3000 SQFT and the first online auction was held this week.

Sharlene Rothwell, a spokeswoman for Simon Charles Auctioneers & Valuers, said: “We are so excited to be expanding the business. The new site will allow us to stock more items and host more auctions giving our customers the chance to buy high-street and online retailers’ items for a fraction of their original price.”

The new site will offer one to two online auctions a week to start with, more auctions will be held in the near future.

Manchester Central named as ‘Best Conference Venue’ for second consecutive year

Awards

Sam Whitear

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09/07/2019

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Manchester Central named as ‘Best Conference Venue’ for second consecutive year

Manchester Central has been named ‘Best Conference Venue’ (over 1,250 theatre style) for the second consecutive year at the 2019 Conference Awards.

It’s been a successful couple of months for the venue, which has also recently been recognised as ‘Best Exhibition Venue’ at the Exhibition News Awards and ‘Best Venue Team’ at the AEO Awards.

The largest gathering of conference professionals in the UK, the Conference Awards recognise and celebrate achievement within the conference and events industry. The venue impressed the judging panel with a record year in the corporate sector, it’s commitment to working with organisers to deliver exceptional (and often award-winning) events and continual investment in new facilities.

CEO Shaun Hinds said: “As we know, retaining titles can often be harder than the initial win. To be named as Best Conference Venue for the second-year running is simply fabulous and testament to the professionalism and attitude of the whole team here at Manchester Central. To be recognised in this way by our industry peers is wonderful.

Above all, it shows that we’re not resting on our laurels and are actively seeking new ways in which we can improve both the client and delegate experience. This win makes it one of our most successful years for awards and I’m delighted that everyone’s hard work at the venue is being recognised.”

Bigtank Completes Films for Northern Industrial

Blog

Sam Whitear

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09/07/2019

0

Bigtank Completes Films for Northern Industrial

Bury-based video production company Bigtank has completed a series of short films for Blackburn-based industrial automation spare parts and repair supplier Northern Industrial.

Northern Industrial is a multi-award-winning provider of new, reconditioned and obsolete parts and repair services, exporting to 146 countries. Sourcing from over 1,350 manufacturers, the company covers over 200,000 part numbers and holds approximately £7m in stock.

Northern Industrial commissioned Bigtank to produce a series of films for use across multiple media to tell the company’s story and to promote specific specialist products and services.

Shot over three days, the filming was a combination of interviews with members of the team and action footage of all areas of the business including indoor and outdoor drone filming.

Bigtank managing director Rob Hallam said: “The passion of all the employees we interviewed matched to the sheer scale of the business and the variety of the filming opportunities made this a successful and enjoyable project from the outset.

“We delivered a total of seven films for Northern Industrial, that they can now rollout across their website, email campaigns and on social media to really engage with their audience.”

Bigtank was established in 2005 and has worked with hundreds of companies across the UK and beyond, including start-ups and established businesses as well as global brands such as Mercedes-Benz Trucks, NHS, Yealink, MK Illumination and Manchester United FC.

NPIF FUNDING FEEDS GROWTH FOR LEADING EDIBLE CROPS SUPPLIER

Sam Whitear

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08/07/2019

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NPIF FUNDING FEEDS GROWTH FOR LEADING EDIBLE CROPS SUPPLIER

Manchester-headquartered, Cocogreen, has received £500,000 funding from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Cocogreen® is a leading international brand of speciality coir substrates for edible crops. Operating and manufacturing from within the UK, Sri Lanka, India, the Far East, Asia, USA, Spain, Portugal, Australia and Africa the rapidly growing firm produce growbags and bespoke commercial products for the berry substrates and other speciality crop markets across the globe. They are the first and only growing media producer externally recognised for its Sustainability, Social, Ecological and Environmental Assurance -traceable from beginning to end.

Launched nine years ago and now employing 12 people, the firm has a turnover of £5million, a figure that is expected to rise to around £50million during the next 5 years. The investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance will support the firm’s ambitious expansion plans and will be utilised to acquire new stock and recruit additional team members.

The company’s advanced substrates use their trade marked Moisture Control Technology which greatly improves the products water holding capacity and air filled porosity. They have gained a strong foothold overseas with commercial growers of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries as well as high value tree citrus, avocado, macadamia nuts and high value salad crops grown hydroponically.

With headquarters in Manchester, Cocogreen serves clients via its offices and operations in the UK,.

Cocogreen received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise presented by Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Paul Griffiths DL in recognition of six years of outstanding growth in International Export Trade.

Thomas Ogden, Group Commercial Director at Cocogreen commented: “In order to meet demand and sustain this level of growth, additional funding is essential. This capital injection will help provide the infrastructure through which we can take our business to the next level and press forward with our ambitious growth plans.”

He added: “We have had an incredibly positive experience working with FW Capital who have taken a holistic and long term view of the business and our ideas. It’s been a refreshing and positive partnership and their support is very much valued.”

FW Capital investment executive Loz O’Connor said: “Cocogreen is a really exciting business that is making a huge impact within its specialist sector throughout the world.

“I was really impressed with the management team. They know their market, have a clear vision for the future growth of the company and are driven and professional businessmen.

“It is great that we have been able to support such a successful export business with a substantial amount of finance which will make a real impact on future growth and FW Capital are looking forward to working with Cocogreen through this next phase of development.”

Sue Barnard at British Business Bank, said: “We are pleased that NPIF has continued to support high-growth businesses in the North, providing vital funding to enable job creation and expansion into new markets. This investment demonstrates how this funding can make a real and measurable difference to businesses across the Northern Powerhouse region, which helps create a more prosperous regional economy.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

GB Vehicle Leasing Awarded LeasePlan Platinum Franchisee Again

Awards

Sam Whitear

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08/07/2019

0

GB Vehicle Leasing Awarded LeasePlan Platinum Franchisee Again

GB Vehicle Leasing has rapidly expanded since it was first established in 2005. We currently work with a wide range of the biggest funders in the UK, including LeasePlan UK. Our leasing consultants are highly experienced and trained to an exceptional standard as customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. We have worked hard to become a LeasePlan Platinum Partner and our team are dedicated to ensuring leasing a vehicle is as simple and straightforward for our customers as possible. With unrivalled customer service, we are here to help both businesses and personal customers with all your car and van leasing needs.

Chris Smith, our Commercial Director at GB Vehicle Leasing said:”We are delighted to have continued our Platinum Franchisee status with Leaseplan UK for the third successive year . This achievement acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our sales and administration staff who work tirelessly to ensure that here at GB Vehicle Leasing we always strive to maintain our proud reputation for excellent customer support. Leaseplan UK are one of the leading funders in the vehicle leasing sector and we are proud to work closely with them to give our customers competitive and flexible products coupled with outstanding service standards.”

Vodafone has switched on its live 5G network in Manchester

Digital

Sam Whitear

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08/07/2019

0

Vodafone has switched on its live 5G network in Manchester

Vodafone has launched its 5G network and will become the first company to offer unlimited data on both 5G and 4G with the launch of Vodafone Unlimited on the 10 July 2019. Vodafone will not charge a price premium for access to its 5G network and all unlimited SIMs are 5G ready.

The new unlimited data plans also extend to the new Vodafone Together service, which combines mobile and broadband in one bill. Vodafone also becomes the first UK provider to offer customers 5G roaming in four European countries in some of the most popular tourist and business locations over the summer, at no additional cost.

Vodafone UK Chief Executive Officer Nick Jeffery said: “5G will transform the way we live and work. Our customers are streaming over 50% more content today than they did last year, and with 5G the demand for data is only set to increase. That is why we want to remove the limits on data, so that customers can unlock the full potential of 5G, and we can really propel the UK into the digital age. By offering unlimited plans to our consumer and business customers, we will revolutionise the market. We will give customers all the data they need, when and where they want it.”

With 5G and Vodafone Unlimited, a user can have gaming on the go, high definition streaming on the sofa, uploading, downloading, vlogging, blogging, virtual reality, augmented reality, connected cars, cows and coffee machines – all with fast connectivity, low lag and no worries about your data limit.

Today’s switch-on was marked with the world’s first demonstration of the power of 5G to transmit touch using haptic technology. Two players from Wasps rugby team were able to run a training session despite being more than 100 miles apart. The impact of a rugby tackle made by Will Rowlands at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry was transferred via 5G to teammate Juan de Jongh on stage in London. Juan, in a specially developed haptic Teslasuit, was able to feel the force of the tackle in real-time thanks to Vodafone’s high speed and super low latency 5G. Vodafone recently announced a new sponsorship and technology deal with Wasps rugby and netball teams.

Formula 1 Five-Time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, officially opened Vodafone’s new 5G service. As a British sporting icon, tech fan, gaming enthusiast, global roamer and someone synonymous with speed, Lewis was the natural choice to switch on the Vodafone 5G network. He will act as a 5G ambassador for Vodafone, helping to bring to life the potential of 5G to be a real game-changer.

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